What is the Idea Camp?

The Idea Camp is a three-day incubator workshop for some of the most creative and adventurous ideas from across Europe and neighbouring countries, created by the Connected Action for the Commons Network.

We believe in bold alternatives provided by citizens through their local cultural initiatives. Our foundation invests in these local initiatives to help them become enduring solutions to the challenges facing our continent.

For each Idea Camp, together with a team of advisers we select 50 participants – artists and changemakers working in the area of the the commons, culture and democracy – to share their daring and exciting ideas on how communities can come together to change Europe through culture.

Video: What is the Idea Camp? Director Katherine Watson explains why it is important to support ideas from the very beginning and connect them to peers.

How does the Idea Camp work?

The selected participants, our Idea Makers, represent a wide range of practices and methodologies: from community gardening to participatory architecture, from open-knowledge platforms to collaborative artworks.

The Idea Camp works on the principles of free and open culture. It provides a safe and inspirational space for the cross-pollination of ideas, allowing projects and partnerships to emerge. It is both a meeting place and a working place, fuelled by workshops and people that will help the selected participants to:

investigate and further develop their ideas

exchange knowledge and find new collaborations

inspire and connect to others from different sectors, working with culture and communities

explore and challenge new democratic alternatives

Research & Development Grants

Following the Idea Camp, the 50 Idea Makers are invited to submit a proposal for up to 10,000 Euros for their project. 25 of these proposals are selected to receive Research & Development grants.